Top 6 replacements for Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid

Here's a look at candidates worthy of replacing the Frenchman at Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane might face the axe at Real Madrid at the end of the season

Zinedine Zidane, the mastermind at the helm for Real Madrid's double-winning act last season has already embraced the possibility of being sacked sooner or later given the team's terrible run of form.

The Frenchman might have guided Real Madrid to consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and a league title after five years, but that will do nothing to ensure his stay at the Bernabeu.

Los Merengues are well known for their ruthless approach towards players and managers who fail to churn out the expected results. With the problems Real Madrid are currently facing, president Florentino Perez might already have drawn his list of possible successors for the magical Zidane.

With the legacy the Frenchman has built at the Bernabeu, following his vast success in a short span, who is worthy enough to fill his boots? Let's have a look.

#6 Marcelino Garcia Toral

Marcelino has rejuvenated FC Valencia

For the past few years, Valencia haven't been considered a threat in Spain, as the Madrid clubs and Barcelona have simply dominated. The likes of Gary Neville, Pako Ayestarán, and Cesare Prandelli failed to maintain La Che's claim to being the third best team in La Liga.

But, dark times seem to have vanished as Valencia are one of the teams to watch this season. They are playing an exciting brand of counter-attacking football under Marcelino, sitting above both Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid.

Valencia are one of the few clubs still unbeaten across Europe this season (alongside FC Barcelona, PSG and Manchester City), boasting a defence most have found tough to break.

A large part of that, is thanks to Marcelino Garcia Toral - the mastermind behind Valencia's redemption. The Spaniard has showcased his ability to build a team with limited finances and also transform players into world-class talents. Have a look at how the likes of how Simeone Zaza and Carlos Soler have been on fire this season.

Real Madrid have lacked desire and the willingness to turn deficits into victories this season. Marcelino's appointment would certainly reinstate the lacking determination required for the Los Blancos to win games.

Also, though he uses an age-old 4-4-2 formation much different to Real's 4-3-3, the ingredients are quite the same: counter-attacks through the flanks, use of agile and pacy players and excessive use of through balls for breaking the opposition defences.

Marcelino is the man for transitions and should he take the role as a coach at the Bernabeu, we will definitely start to see the vigorous Real Madrid of old.